The Index · Bee resin / wax fraction (syn. Propolis Cera)

Propolis Wax

Resinous hive material synonymous with Propolis Cera in CIR’s review; same CAS family as Propolis Extract, with unclear literature mapping.

LimitedAwaiting CIR SLR; identity/read-across questions are the current regulatory focus.

Written byTheSkindex Desk

Reviewed byNot yet reviewed

Last updated17 Sept 2026

Sources2 cited

Propolis Wax (INCI; EU trivial name Propolis Cera) is the material obtained from extraction of hive propolis. CIR treats Propolis Wax and Propolis Cera as the same substance for the upcoming safety assessment.[1]

What it does

In formulas it shows up as a film-forming or conditioning resinous fraction rather than a single purified active. Composition still depends on the flora bees foraged.[1][2]

The evidence

CIR staff note that Propolis Cera is defined as “the substance Propolis,” Propolis Wax as material from extraction of propolis, and Propolis Extract as the extract of Propolis Wax — yet all three share CAS 85665-41-4 in Dictionary listings, which muddies read-across.[1]

How to use it

See propolis Extract for allergenicity context. Patch-test if you have balsam or bee-product sensitivity.

Evidence by claim

Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim

Synonymous with Propolis Cera for CIR assessment purposes[1]

Per PCPC clarification cited in CIR strategy memo.

Strong

Safety & limits

Source and region, always

all — Included with Propolis Extract in CIR strategy memo (11 Sep 2026) ahead of October Panel meeting.[1] US

Sources · 2

Numbered as cited in the text

[1]CIR Strategy Memo on Propolis-Derived Ingredients. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2026)
[2]Kasote D, et al.. Propolis: Chemical diversity and challenges in quality control. Phytochemistry Reviews (2022)

Revision history

17 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk